If your dog is afraid of your room, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about them.
So, why is my dog afraid of my room? Likely reasons why your dog is afraid of your room are that your dog does not want to get locked in there, it is too hot or cramped, or your dog does not like other animals or people in there.
There are multiple reasons why your dog could be scared of your room but there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause. There are also some things you can do to encourage your dog to be less scared of your room.
Why is my dog scared of my room?
Below are likely reasons why your dog is scared of your room and what would make each of them more likely.
Getting locked in there
It could also be the case that your dog thinks that they are going to be trapped in there. This would be more likely if you tend to shut the door when your dog goes into your room or if you have locked your dog in there in the past.
Other dogs or people
It could also be the case that your dog is actually trying to avoid other dogs or people. This would be more likely if your dog does go into your room sometimes but will not when certain pets or people are in there.
It is too hot or cramped
The cause might be that your dog does not like your room because it is too hot or cramped. This would be more likely if your dog does stay in your room when it is cooler in there. In this case, it could help to make some more space for them and to try to cool the room down if possible.
Your dog thinks you don’t want them in there
Another possible cause could be that your dog thinks that you do not want them to be in your room. If you tend to give your dog things such as toys, treats, or extra attention, they will likely do it more in order to get more rewards. If you want it to stay in your room, it would help to reward them when they do go into your room.
Protectiveness
The cause might also be that your dog is being protective. This would be more likely if your dog chooses to stay in an area where they can monitor the house more easily such as by the front door or by the entrance to your room.
Boredom
Another possible cause is that your dog is bored and wants exercise. This would be more likely if your dog does it more before getting exercise and is willing to stay in your room after getting exercise. In this case, it would help to ensure that your dog is able to get the recommended amount of exercise for their age and breed.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main cause.
If your dog did go into your room before
If your dog was willing to enter your room in the past, it would help to consider what else happened when your dog stopped doing it. If your dog stopped doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as getting locked in the room or a change in the room itself.
The timing of when your dog won’t go into your room
If there is a certain time that your dog will not enter your room it would also help to consider the timing. For example, if your dog will not do it during the daytime, the cause might be boredom or not wanting to be locked in there.
How to get my dog to come into my room?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Positive reinforcement training
As mentioned above, your dog might have learned that they get rewarded for not going into your room. Instead, it would help to reward them when they do go into your room and to avoid rewarding them, with things like treats or extra attention, when they do not.
Give your dog a spot to go to in the room
It would also help to ensure that your dog has a space to lie down comfortably so that they do not feel like there are better places to lie down elsewhere in the house.
Give your dog somewhere else to go
If you cannot get your dog to go into your room, another option would be to put a dog bed down elsewhere in a location that your dog is willing to go to.